Foundation Degree in Youth Justice (England and Wales)
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How can we improve the lives of children and young people who are ‘in trouble’? For professionals and volunteers working within a criminal justice framework where the focus is on stopping young people causing trouble, this is an extremely challenging issue. This foundation degree in youth justice is designed for those employed in all parts of the youth justice system (including the secure estate), volunteers working in the field, and anyone planning to join the youth justice sector in these capacities. The foundation degree course will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for effective practice in youth justice and make a substantial contribution to your professional and personal development. It will also, support you in developing as an autonomous learner.
The Foundation Degree is sponsored by the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales (YJB) as part of its Youth Justice National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It includes the Professional Certificate of Effective Practice (PCEP), recognised by the YJB as the core qualification for the youth justice sector. In addition, the Stage 1 credits combine to offer the CertHE in Youth Justice Practice.
How to apply
It is not possible to apply online to study for this qualification. For more information, read our Entry requirements for this qualification.
Key facts
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There is no formal entry requirement to study this foundation degree but you must be working in a professional or voluntary capacity with young people who are within the youth justice system.
If you meet these entry requirements and wish to apply for this qualification please email our Student Registration & Enquiry Service or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90.
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Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
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Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study.
Career relevance and employability
The foundation degree is the result of an exclusive and unique collaboration with the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. The Board has statutory responsibility for monitoring standards in the youth justice system, with the aim of preventing offending by children and young people. It also has responsibility for advising the government on youth crime issues. The OU is the preferred provider of the foundation degree, which is approved and kite-marked by the Youth Justice Board.
This foundation degree course will:
- provide you with the skills, values and understanding needed to be an effective practitioner with children and young people who offend or are at risk of offending
- help you progress your professional and personal development
- develop work-based experiences enabling you to explore and evaluate your practice
- build your understanding of how you learn, and how to continue with learning throughout your career.
On completion, opportunities for continued professional development include the chance to extend your study to an honours degree.
There’s more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Youth Justice (England and Wales) and will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course
If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our
Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses
have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a
taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial
support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.